CURACAO (WILLEMSTAD) - The Social and Economic Council (SER) of Curaçao has received yesterday an independent research report examining inclusion, diversity and the sense of belonging in the island’s workplaces. The study, prepared by Report App B.V. and Optima Arbodienst B.V., is based on an anonymous, multilingual online survey of 402 working people across Curaçao.

The findings point to a mixed picture of workplace culture. While a majority of respondents reported generally respectful interactions with colleagues, 18.7 percent said they had at times withheld personal information out of concern about how it might be received. 43.8 percent also reported regularly hearing stereotypical jokes related to gender expression — an indication, researchers said, that subtle forms of exclusion and tension around diversity may persist in some professional environments.

The authors describe the study as descriptive and exploratory in nature, intended primarily to map experiences and perceptions rather than establish causal relationships.

The report was received for review within the framework of the SER’s advisory work on socio-economic issues. As Curaçao’s tripartite advisory body — bringing together representatives of employers, workers and independent members — the council provides guidance to the government and Parliament on matters affecting socio-economic policy and development.

The findings may serve as a starting point for further reflection and discussion within ongoing social dialogue on labor relations and working conditions in Curaçao.